HomePress RoomTransitioning your skin care routine from summer to fall

Transitioning your skin care routine from summer to fall

  • Published: 9/17/2020

With a change in the morning breeze, soon fall will be in full swing. You’ve probably already thought about changing out your summer wardrobe for cozy sweaters and pants. Autumn weather is also a great time to change the way you care for your skin.

When the seasons change, it can take a toll on your skin. The weather can irritate your skin, making existing conditions worse and causing new ones to appear. As colder weather moves in, fall normally draws people outside for fall color tours, sporting events and a trip to the local pumpkin patch.

“As the seasons change, it is a good reminder to focus on our skin care habits,” said Tom Raisanen, MD, dermatologist at Aspirus. “If you are a person whose skin is affected by changes in the weather, taking extra time now to get your skin care habits in line can pay dividends over the long winter months.”

Dr. Raisanen shares these fall skin care tips:

  • Moisturize your skin every single day. Applying a moisturizer every day will maintain your skin’s natural barrier and protect against outside irritants.
  • Ensure you are using gentle cleansers. Products that are fragrance-free and hypo-allergenic tend to be better for dry, sensitive skin.
  • Avoid long, hot showers. Taking long, hot showers can strip away the skin’s natural protective factors and lead to a drier skin surface.
  • Dress for the elements. As the weather becomes colder, long sleeves, sweaters, and gloves can help protect your skin from drying out.
  • Don’t put the sunscreen away. Using sunscreen daily (such as in a facial moisturizer) will help protect against chronic effects seen with even low-intensity sunlight.

“Fall is a great time to focus on your skin care routine,” Dr. Raisanen said. “As the days grow shorter, temperatures drop and the air becomes dry, your skin can lose moisture. As we all transition to prepare for the winter months, this is a perfect time to prepare your skin for winter.”

For more information or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Raisanen, please call Aspirus Houghton Clinic at 487.1710.